Former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin joins Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis in backing Imran Khan during his worsening health crisis, calling for dignity and proper medical care in a rare cross-border show of solidarity.
New Delhi: In the intense world of India–Pakistan cricket, rivalry has always been the main story. But on February 17, 2026, former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin showed that some things are bigger than rivalry. He publicly expressed support for legendary Pakistani cricketer and former Prime Minister Imran Khan—not for a cricket match, but during Khan’s serious health crisis.
Azharuddin’s gesture was not political. It was personal and emotional. It showed how sports can rise above borders when one of its icons is facing hardship.
Azharuddin’s Emotional Message of Support
Azharuddin shared his message on X (formerly Twitter) from his verified account @azharflicks. In his post, he spoke about his long cricketing connection with Imran Khan and appealed for him to be treated with dignity.
His message read:
“Deeply saddened to hear about Imran bhai. Cricket has given us many shared moments, and as a fellow sportsman who has shared the platform and learned from him, I sincerely appeal that he be treated with dignity. Praying for his good health and strength for his family.
The post quickly gained attention. Within 24 hours, it received more than 9,800 likes and thousands of shares. It trended under the hashtag #ImranKhanHealthEmergency and was widely discussed in both India and Pakistan.
This was not just a message of sympathy. By mentioning their “shared moments,” Azharuddin reminded people of their long cricket history together. His appeal also indirectly supported the call by Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), asking authorities to prioritize proper medical care.
Imran Khan’s Serious Health Condition
Imran Khan, now 73 years old, has been in Adiala Jail since August 2023. He faces multiple legal cases, which his supporters say are politically motivated.
Recently, his health has become a major concern. He is reportedly suffering from 85% vision loss in his right eye due to retinal vein occlusion—a blood clot that worsened after eye surgery in January 2026.
Despite his condition, Khan has reportedly continued to send messages to supporters, calling the situation a test of resilience. Azharuddin’s support has added an international dimension to this issue, turning it from a domestic political matter into a broader humanitarian concern.
From Cricket Rivals to Mutual Respect
What makes this moment powerful is the history between Azharuddin and Imran Khan. During the 1980s and 1990s, they were on opposite sides of one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
Azharuddin captained India from 1990 to 1999 and scored 6,215 runs in Test cricket. Imran Khan was known for his powerful leadership and deadly swing bowling.
Memorable Matches
• 1986–87 Pakistan Tour of India: Imran Khan took 18 wickets in three Tests. Azharuddin scored a strong century in the Ahmedabad Test, earning respect from his rival.
• 1992 World Cup Group Match: Pakistan defeated India by seven wickets. Imran scored 88 runs and took two wickets. Azharuddin scored 22 but showed calm leadership under pressure.
• 1985 World Championship of Cricket: Early encounters where mutual admiration began. Imran later praised Azharuddin’s elegance, and Azharuddin included Imran in his all-time XI for his fitness and grace.
Off the field, they met during diplomatic tours and charity events. In a 2020 interview with The Hindu, Azharuddin said, “Imran was a complete package; we learned leadership from watching him.”
Today, that respect has turned into public support during a difficult time.
A Larger Cricket Community Speaks Up
Azharuddin is not alone. Many former cricketers have spoken out about Khan’s health.
Pakistani Cricketers
• Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis tweeted that Imran deserves world-class medical care.
• Former captains, including Javed Miandad, wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asking that humanity be placed above politics.
International Voices
• England’s Michael Vaughan described the situation as heartbreaking.
• Australia’s Mark Taylor suggested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should consider prisoner rights when dealing with member nations.
Indian Response
Azharuddin’s message stands out because it breaks relative silence from major Indian cricket authorities. There are also reports that Sachin Tendulkar’s charitable foundation quietly supports Khan’s philanthropic legacy.
This growing support has encouraged protests organized by PTI in cities like Islamabad and Lahore. On February 18, more than 10,000 protesters reportedly gathered, chanting “Justice for Imran.”
Human Rights Concerns
Imran Khan is currently facing more than 30 legal cases, though some have been overturned on appeal. His party believes his imprisonment is political retaliation.
Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have raised concerns about prisoner healthcare standards in such cases. Some critics have called the medical delays “neglect.”
Azharuddin’s call for “dignity” connects to this larger human rights debate. Without directly criticizing any authority, he emphasized a basic principle: every person deserves humane treatment.
Possible Wider Impact
This unexpected show of support could have broader implications:
• India–Pakistan Relations: Trade talks between the two countries resumed in 2026. Gestures like this may soften tensions, similar to joint relief efforts seen in the past.
• Cricket Governance: The ICC may face pressure to consider how political situations affect former players and global icons.
• Sports and Humanity: It reinforces the idea that sports figures can stand up for universal values beyond national rivalry.
This moment is not about politics. It is about respect, dignity, and the bond created through sport. Whether it leads to long-term change remains to be seen. But for now, Azharuddin’s message is clear:
Dignity must come first—always.
Mansi Sharma is a journalist covering Global Affairs, and wellness, known for turning complex ideas into sharp, engaging narratives. Her work is driven by curiosity, depth, and a constant urge to question and explore. When she’s not writing, you’ll often find her diving into new ideas—preferably with a cup of coffee in hand, one sip at a time.